AFTER eight years, Philippine volleyball has vastly improved, according to Kobe Shinwa University coach Koyokazu Yamamoto.
The Japanese crew made a winning statement in their opening campaign in the PVL Invitational, scoring a straight-sets win against Zus Coffee Thunderbelles 25-14, 27-25, 25-17 last Saturday at the PhilSports Arena.
Kobe Shinwa is the lone guest team in the Invitational after the sudden withdrawal of 2023 champion Kurashiki Ablaze.
Yamamoto is no stranger to Philippine volleyball, calling the shots for Kobe Shinwa University in 2017, the year the Japanese squad emerged the co-champion of the defunct Philippine SuperLiga Invitational Cup.
“It’s been 8 years since I came here. After 8 years, I saw Philippine volleyball and how Philippine volleyball has changed,” Yamamoto said through an interpreter.
“Yes, the level of defense has improved a lot and the height of the players has increased a lot. Not only the middle players, but also the side players. The number of players with high performance has increased a lot.”
Despite most of its players having no international playing experience, Kobe Shinwa displayed quick plays and natural flair in its opening game.
“Most of the members who came here this time, except for the captain (Sakura Furuta), had almost no experience abroad. The most important thing is how to get used to the environment in the Philippines. So, I was given a hard schedule of practice,” Yamamoto said.
“I think it was a little bit hard, but I think it was good that our rhythm came out from the middle. In the first set, the players were a little bit nervous. So, they were a little bit worried, but their game came out little by little. So, it was a good game.”
The visiting squad will be tested today by PVL On Tour champions PLDT High Speed Hitters at 4 p.m.
“I’m very interested in that game, and I’m looking forward to seeing how well our volleyball team will perform. [We’ll] do our best,” Yamamoto said.
